Country singer Lauren Alaina announces death of her "daddy" saying “I really don't have words yet”

Country singer, Lauren Alaina, has announced the death of her father today (July 24), cancelling some of her upcoming gigs so she can be with her family. The American Idol runner up made the announcement via her social media channels earlier today.

The 29-year-old wrote: “We lost my daddy last night, and I really don't have words yet. I want to let y'all know that I'm not able to play the three shows I had scheduled for this weekend in Savannah, Virginia Beach, and Charlotte as I am going home to be with my family. Thank you for your prayers and understanding.”

Heartbreakingly, she signed off the post with the word 'pinky' and a heart, which has a special connection to her dad, J.J Suddeth. During a speech to the audience during her induction to the Grand Ole Opry in February 2022, Alaina explained the special meaning behind her holding up her pinky finger when she gets nervous performing.

She said: "My dad and I have this really sweet thing that we do. When I was little, I always held his pinky. So, when he comes to see me at my shows, he'll stand out in the crowd and hold up his pinky, and that's his way of telling me that he loves me."

Lauren was said to be a ‘daddy’s girl’ and last month shared a post for father’s day with a picture of them both at her wedding, saying: “Happy Fathers Day to “my old man” with a heart the size of Texas!! I love you so much daddy and hope you have the best day fishin’. Love, your turd (pinky).”

She previously confirmed, unsurprisingly, that JJ was the inspo for her song, My Old Man, which she wrote as tribute to him ahead of her marriage to Cam Arnold in February. Lauren has yet to share any details of the circumstances surrounding her father’s death.